Sheldon Burnett is a logistics executive and former commodity trader based in Miami, Florida. He has spent decades mastering international markets, specializing in commodity transactions and global logistics. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Sheldon comes from a family of entrepreneurs, with his father leading Burnac Corporation and Burnac Produce, and his siblings managing businesses in produce and luxury jewelry. With degrees in International Politics, Business, and Law, Sheldon has built a reputation for integrity, efficiency, and long-term thinking. Beyond his career, he is an avid hockey player, a passionate cook, and a dedicated philanthropist, having received the Humanity Award for his work in the Bahamas after Hurricane Matthew.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Every day starts early, usually before sunrise. I go over market reports, shipping schedules, and financial trends to stay ahead of potential disruptions. The logistics industry moves fast, and small shifts in supply chains can have massive ripple effects. My approach to productivity is simple: prioritize, execute, and adjust. I focus on the biggest-impact tasks first and avoid unnecessary distractions. If something isn’t moving a deal forward, I don’t waste time on it.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas are nothing without execution. I take a practical approach—if I see an opportunity in the market, I validate it with data, analyze the risks, and move quickly. In logistics, you can’t afford to hesitate. I’ve learned that great ideas don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be acted upon. The best ideas evolve in real time as you work through challenges.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increased use of artificial intelligence in logistics is a game-changer. AI is helping predict supply chain bottlenecks, optimize shipping routes, and improve efficiency like never before. It’s reducing waste and making global trade smarter. I see massive potential in integrating AI with human decision-making to create even stronger, more resilient logistics networks.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I don’t let decisions linger. Whether it’s negotiating a deal, solving a logistics issue, or deciding where to allocate resources, I make decisions quickly based on the best available information. Hesitation kills momentum. If I make a wrong call, I adjust—but I never let indecision slow me down.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Focus on building relationships as much as you build skills. Early in my career, I was obsessed with the mechanics of trading and logistics, but over time, I realized that trust and reputation matter just as much as expertise. People do business with those they respect and rely on.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
People overvalue hard work and undervalue timing. Hard work is important, but it doesn’t guarantee success. You need to be in the right place at the right time with the right strategy. Recognizing opportunity and acting on it fast is more valuable than just grinding for the sake of it.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read and analyze contracts thoroughly. I’ve seen too many people—smart people—sign deals they didn’t fully understand. In commodities and logistics, small clauses can have huge financial consequences. Never assume a deal is standard—read everything.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from my work and cook. There’s something about preparing a meal from scratch that clears my head. It forces me to slow down, focus on details, and be present in the moment. By the time I’m done, I can return to a problem with a fresh perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Always think long-term. Short-term profits are tempting, but I’ve seen too many businesses collapse because they chased quick wins. I’ve built my career on sustainable relationships and strategic investments. Playing the long game pays off in ways that short-term thinking never will.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Earlier in my career, I took on a logistics contract without fully vetting the client’s financial stability. They defaulted, and it cost me significant time and money. I learned the hard way that due diligence is non-negotiable. Now, I verify everything before committing. Trust is earned, not assumed.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s a huge opportunity in streamlining international freight payment systems. The current system is outdated and full of inefficiencies. A secure, AI-driven payment platform that automates currency exchange and freight payments in real-time could revolutionize the industry. Someone should build that.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Evernote to organize my thoughts, track logistics plans, and store important insights. It’s simple, but having all my notes in one place with search functionality saves me hours every week.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. It’s all about using challenges to your advantage instead of fearing them. Logistics and trading are full of obstacles, and this book reinforced my belief that problems are just opportunities in disguise.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I rewatched “Margin Call.” It’s a gripping look at how financial markets work under pressure. While it’s dramatized, it captures the intensity and decision-making required in high-stakes environments.
Key learnings
- Decisiveness and adaptability drive success. Sheldon emphasizes the importance of making quick, informed decisions and adjusting as needed.
- Long-term thinking wins over short-term gains. His career has been built on trust, sustainable growth, and well-planned investments.
- The right tools and habits matter. From reading contracts thoroughly to investing in simple productivity tools, success is about being methodical and intentional.